McCaskill, Blunt look at interstate internet gambling (AUDIO)

A Justice Department ruling that the federal law on internet gambling applies only to sports betting is a matter of concern to both of our Senators. Both of them are part of a Senate committee asking, “what’s next?”

The Senate Commerce Committee is considering whether a new federal law is needed to protect consumers if interstate internet gambling takes hold. Senator McCaskill chairs a subcommittee that has gotten some expert advice.

McCaskill says the Justice Department position allows states to legalize online casino betting.

She worries a “patchwork” of state laws and reglations won’t protect consumers from fraud, prevent underage and problem gambling, but might provide more conduits for money laundering by organized crime and terrorists.

Senate Blunt has suggested Congress needs to enact a uniform law instead of seeing 50 different standards–and expert witnesses before the committee agree.